As part of our Ontario Votes election coverage, BradfordToday plans to profile each of the candidates in the York-Simcoe riding. Here's our look at Justin Graham, the Ontario New Democratic Party hopeful:
The local NDP candidate wants be bring everyone together to work for their best interests.
Since Ontario Progressive Conservative leader and then-premier Doug Ford called an early election on Jan. 28, candidates have been lining up to offer their visions for the riding of York-Simcoe before voters go to the polls on Feb. 27 — about 15 months ahead of schedule.
“I want to bring all stakeholders to the table to work together in the best interest of the people I serve in York-Simcoe,” New Democrat Justin Graham said. “I’m honoured to have the opportunity to represent the people I grew up with.”
Graham, 43, is a property valuation analyst and has lived in Georgina for 40 years.
Currently married with two children, he feels the NDP’s platform is very similar to his own beliefs as a family man.
“I care for all communities in York-Simcoe. I believe I can represent our communities at the highest levels of government and industry,” Graham said.
When asked what he thinks is the biggest issue of this election, Graham said several main issues are interconnected.
One of those issues includes the need for more housing and how it competes with the limited amount of agricultural land available to grow food as “fast-paced” population growth is “overtaking” communities in the Greater Toronto Area.
“Farmland and urban sprawl are in direct competition and regulations are being trampled in the name of profits,” Graham said.
He’s hoping to use his analytical skills and experience of more than 25 years in the construction industry to address the issue.
“I believe there are bills that can be introduced to build housing in a safe, efficient and effective manor without infringing on the ecosystems we rely on,” Graham said.
He also sees both the health and education systems in the province as “extremely” under funded, leading to burnout, decreasing retention and undermining social systems at the benefit of “private profiteers” in an effort to capitalize on what he believes are human rights.
To learn more about the NDP campaign, visit the party's website.